Yahoo! News: World News

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• Amid 'gas war' talk, Russia reassures Europe on supply
• Iranian official will not get visa for U.N. ambassadorship: White House
• Scottish leader urges voters to put aside politics for independence
• Iran's oil exports surge above West's sanctions cap: IEA
• Exclusive: Malaysia starts investigating confused initial response to missing jet
• India election chief bans rallies by Modi aide over religious hatred
• Scotland's SNP hold final conference before independence vote
• Bubba Watson goes on birdie spree at the Masters
• Hints of possible deal on Ukraine gas emerge at G20
• U.S. sanctions Crimea gas company, in move aimed at Gazprom
• U.S. says G7 backs more sanctions if Russia escalates Ukraine crisis
• Russia, Ukraine, EU and U.S. to hold talks on April 17 in Geneva
• Vatican clears Puerto Rico bishop in abuse case
• One dead, dozen wounded in fresh Algeria ethnic clashes
• NASCAR owner Gene Haas granted F1 license
• Major economies express confidence about growth
• Bradley, Pacquiao look for decisive win in rematch
• Puerto Rico court strikes down new pension law
• US not alleging Marathon suspect shot officer
• Woman gets life in prison in stiletto heel slaying
• Rossi and Cassano included for Italy fitness tests
• All Blacks seek secret of defending World Cup
• Jailed China activist defiant as court rejects appeal
• White House: no US visa for Iran pick as UN envoy
• Magnitude 6.6 quake hits southwest Nicaragua: USGS
• US blocks Iran's envoy to UN in rare rebuke
• In a rare rebuke, US blocks Iran's envoy to UN
• Gunmen ambush foreign peacekeepers in C. African town
• New quake shakes Nicaragua; nation on alert
• 2008 Olympic pole vault champion Hooker retires
• US levels Crimea sanctions as Ukraine battles separatism
• Wake held in Puerto Rico for Fort Hood gunman

Amid 'gas war' talk, Russia reassures Europe on supply Posted: 11 Apr 2014 04:46 PM PDT By Natalia Zinets and Alexei Anishchuk KIEV/MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russian President Vladimir Putin tried to ease European fears of gas supply cuts on Friday after Brussels said it would stand with the new authorities in Kiev if the Kremlin carries out a threat to turn off the tap to Ukraine. Russia, which last month angered Western powers by annexing Ukraine's Crimea peninsula, has raised the price it charges Kiev for gas and said it owes Moscow $2.2 billion in unpaid bills. A repeat of that scenario could hurt Russia as well as EU customers for its gas because Moscow depends for its public revenues on selling gas in Europe. "I want to say again: We do not intend and do not plan to shut off the gas for Ukraine," Putin said in televised comments at a meeting of his advisory Security Council.

Iranian official will not get visa for U.N. ambassadorship: White House Posted: 11 Apr 2014 03:01 PM PDT By Patricia Zengerle and Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States said on Friday it would not grant a visa to Iran's proposed U.N. ambassador, citing the envoy's links to the 1979-1981 hostage crisis, in a rare step that raises questions about how much influence the White House can wield over the world body. President Barack Obama had come under strong pressure not to allow Hamid Abutalebi into the country to take up his position in New York, raising concerns that the dispute would disrupt delicate negotiation between Tehran, Washington and other world powers over Iran's nuclear program. White House spokesman Jay Carney said the United Nations and Iran had been told "that we will not issue a visa to Mr. Abutalebi." Neither the White House nor the State Department provided further explanation.

Scottish leader urges voters to put aside politics for independence Posted: 11 Apr 2014 04:05 PM PDT By Belinda Goldsmith ABERDEEN, Scotland (Reuters) - Scotland's leader Alex Salmond will on Saturday urge Scots to put aside party politics in the vote on independence, as he tries to win support from Labour rivals for his bid to leave the United Kingdom. In an address to the Scottish National Party's (SNP) last conference before a September 18 referendum, Salmond will stress that a vote for independence is not a vote for him or his party but a way to put Scotland's future in its own hands. His appeal comes after a narrowing in opinion polls that has for the first time made a vote for independence look a possibility, with both sides trying to persuade the up to 15 percent of voters who remain undecided. Salmond will promise to set up an all-party "Team Scotland" group after any "Yes" vote, to negotiate the terms of independence by March 24, 2016.

Iran's oil exports surge above West's sanctions cap: IEA Posted: 11 Apr 2014 12:53 PM PDT By Ron Bousso and Timothy Gardner LONDON/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Iran's crude oil exports have surged to their highest in 20 months, far exceeding a 1 million barrel-per-day limit set by the West under an interim deal on curbing Tehran's nuclear program. The International Energy Agency's monthly report revised February's global crude imports from Iran upwards by 240,000 bpd to 1.65 million barrels per day, the highest since June 2012. Under an interim deal signed in November between Iran and six world powers - known as the P5+1 - that came into effect on January 20, Iran's exports are supposed to be held to an average 1 million bpd through July 20. Tough international sanctions over the past two years have cut Iran's oil exports by about half.

Exclusive: Malaysia starts investigating confused initial response to missing jet Posted: 11 Apr 2014 07:42 AM PDT By Siva Govindasamy and Niluksi Koswanage KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - Malaysia's government has begun investigating civil aviation and military authorities to determine why opportunities to identify and track Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 were missed in the chaotic hours after it vanished, two officials said. The preliminary internal enquiries come as tensions mount between civilian and military authorities over who bears most responsibility for the initial confusion and any mistakes that led to a week-long search in the wrong ocean. In an interview with Reuters last weekend, Malaysia Airlines Chief Executive Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said internal enquiries were under way, although he declined to give details. The senior government source said it was aimed at getting a detailed picture of the initial response.

India election chief bans rallies by Modi aide over religious hatred Posted: 11 Apr 2014 01:31 PM PDT By Frank Jack Daniel NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Narendra Modi, widely tipped to become India's next prime minister, suffered a setback on Friday when his closest aide was banned from election rallies and meetings after a series of speeches deemed to have stoked tensions with Muslims. Modi, 63, a pro-business Hindu nationalist, is the prime ministerial candidate of the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which hopes to oust the ruling Congress Party of Rahul Gandhi with its promises of jobs and new infrastructure. The aide, Amit Shah, who faces murder charges dating to his time serving under Modi in the state government of Gujarat, runs Modi's campaign in the state of Uttar Pradesh, which has a population larger than Brazil's and holds the keys to national power. It was not immediately clear what impact a possibly disruptive ban on meetings in Uttar Pradesh by such a high profile figure would have on Modi's campaign in the state.

Scotland's SNP hold final conference before independence vote Posted: 11 Apr 2014 04:58 PM PDT Aberdeen (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond opened the Scottish National Party's spring conference on Friday, urging delegates to seize "the opportunity of a lifetime" in September's independence referendum. Speaking in Scotland's oil capital Aberdeen, the SNP leader told party members that they had the chance to achieve a "prosperous, just society" by voting "yes" in the ballot on September 18. Salmond delivered the rallying cry as the SNP marked the 80th anniversary of its foundation at its final conference before the crunch ballot, which could result in the end of Scotland's 300-year link with the UK.

Bubba Watson goes on birdie spree at the Masters Posted: 11 Apr 2014 04:52 PM PDT AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) — Bubba Watson likes the way he looks in green. He wants to get that color back in his wardrobe.

Hints of possible deal on Ukraine gas emerge at G20 Posted: 11 Apr 2014 04:46 PM PDT By Lidia Kelly WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Behind statements that Russia will not budge in demanding Ukraine repay its debts for its natural gas deliveries, hints emerged at a meeting of G20 finance chiefs this week that a deal in which Moscow eases its stance might be in the works. Financial aid to Ukraine was a hot topic at a meeting of finance ministers from the Group of 20 leading nations, but the country's gas crisis, which could threaten deliveries to Europe, topped discussions with Russia that were held on the sidelines. Moscow, which alienated Western powers by annexing Ukraine's Crimea peninsula, this month raised the price it charges Kiev for gas and said it awaits $2.2 billion in unpaid bills. Russian Finance Minister Anton Siluanov reiterated the Kremlin's threats that it may switch to prepaid gas deliveries to Ukraine if payments don't start coming, but between the now-standard lines he signaled some room for maneuver.

U.S. sanctions Crimea gas company, in move aimed at Gazprom Posted: 11 Apr 2014 04:46 PM PDT By Arshad Mohammed WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States on Friday imposed sanctions on a Crimea-based gas company, Chernomorneftegaz, effectively putting it off limits to Russia's state-controlled Gazprom, which was expected to bid for a stake in the company. The move, along with penalties on six Crimean separatists and a former Ukrainian official, is the third round of U.S. sanctions since the Ukraine crisis erupted and lays down a harder line ahead of talks among U.S., Russian, Ukrainian and EU officials in Geneva on Wednesday. Russian forces took over Crimea last month and Moscow annexed the Ukrainian region on March 18, angering Western powers who say Russia has massed forces on its border with Ukraine, possibly as a prelude to seizing more of the country. Russia denies having such plans.

U.S. says G7 backs more sanctions if Russia escalates Ukraine crisis Posted: 11 Apr 2014 04:46 PM PDT A group of the world's leading rich nations will support increasing sanctions against Russia if Moscow escalates the crisis in Ukraine, U.S. Treasury Secretary Jack Lew said on Friday. "There is broad and strong unity within the G7 on increasing sanctions and costs in response to escalating action from Russia," Lew said at a news conference, referring to the Group of Seven industrial nations. The G7 includes the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Great Britain. Top officials from the group met in Washington on Thursday and discussed the situation in Ukraine at length, Lew said.

Russia, Ukraine, EU and U.S. to hold talks on April 17 in Geneva Posted: 11 Apr 2014 04:46 PM PDT BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union confirmed plans on Friday for talks between Russia, Ukraine, the EU and the United States in Geneva on April 17. "The European Union is fully engaged in the diplomatic efforts to deescalate the crisis in Ukraine and to find a political solution," the office of EU foreign policy representative Catherine Ashton said. Ashton will take part in the talks. (Reporting by Justyna Pawlak; Editing by Anguys MacSwan)

Vatican clears Puerto Rico bishop in abuse case Posted: 11 Apr 2014 04:45 PM PDT SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The Vatican has found no basis for sexual abuse accusations made against a well-known Puerto Rico bishop.

One dead, dozen wounded in fresh Algeria ethnic clashes Posted: 11 Apr 2014 04:37 PM PDT A young man died and a dozen more were injured Friday in fresh clashes between Arabs and Berbers near the southern Algerian town of Ghardaia, local sources said. The unrest erupted after the main Friday prayers outside a mosque in Berriane, 45 kilometres (28 miles) north of Ghardaia, APS news agency quoted a local medic as saying. "A young (ethnic Berber) Mozabite, Nacer Benacer, was killed by a bullet from a hunting rifle," Hamou Mesbah, a senior member of the opposition Socialist Forces Front (FFS), told AFP. APS said the dozen injured included two police officers.

NASCAR owner Gene Haas granted F1 license Posted: 11 Apr 2014 04:31 PM PDT DARLINGTON, S.C. (AP) — NASCAR owner Gene Haas said Friday he has been granted a license from Formula One's governing body to start a U.S.-based entry in the global series, perhaps as early as next season.

Major economies express confidence about growth Posted: 11 Apr 2014 04:28 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — Finance officials of the world's major economies expressed confidence Friday that they can meet an ambitious goal of boosting global growth by $2 trillion over the next five years.

Bradley, Pacquiao look for decisive win in rematch Posted: 11 Apr 2014 04:26 PM PDT LOS ANGELES (AP) — Timothy Bradley never imagined he would have to avenge a victory.

Puerto Rico court strikes down new pension law Posted: 11 Apr 2014 04:19 PM PDT SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Puerto Rico's Supreme Court on Friday ruled that a law to change a teachers' retirement system is unconstitutional, dealing a blow to the U.S. territory's governor as he tries to revive a sluggish economy.

US not alleging Marathon suspect shot officer Posted: 11 Apr 2014 04:19 PM PDT BOSTON (AP) — Federal prosecutors say they won't try to prove Boston Marathon bombing suspect Dzhokar Tsarnaev shot a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority officer, but say he's still responsible for the officer's injuries.

Woman gets life in prison in stiletto heel slaying Posted: 11 Apr 2014 04:15 PM PDT HOUSTON (AP) — A Houston woman was sentenced to life in prison Friday for fatally stabbing her boyfriend with the stiletto heel of her shoe, striking him at least 25 times in the face and head.

Rossi and Cassano included for Italy fitness tests Posted: 11 Apr 2014 04:05 PM PDT ROME (AP) — Giuseppe Rossi and Antonio Cassano were called up for World Cup fitness tests Friday by Italy coach Cesare Prandelli, while in-form forward Mattia Destro was left out while serving a three-match ban in Serie A.

All Blacks seek secret of defending World Cup Posted: 11 Apr 2014 04:01 PM PDT WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Head coach Steve Hansen says the All Blacks are determined to figure out why no team has defended rugby's World Cup before they put their title on the line at next year's tournament in Britain.

Jailed China activist defiant as court rejects appeal Posted: 11 Apr 2014 03:51 PM PDT A prominent Chinese legal activist defiantly denounced a court as "absurd" on Friday as it upheld his jail sentence for supporting anti-corruption protests, his lawyer said. Xu Zhiyong, 40, was sentenced to four years in prison in January for backing demonstrations in which a handful of activists held up banners calling for government officials to disclose their assets, as Beijing cracks down on a burgeoning rights movement. Beijing's high court rejected his appeal and upheld its original verdict, his lawyer Zhang Qingfang told AFP, but his client remained resolute. "This absurd judgment cannot halt the tide of human progress," he said Xu told the court.

White House: no US visa for Iran pick as UN envoy Posted: 11 Apr 2014 03:44 PM PDT The United States said Friday it would not grant a visa to Iran's newly appointed UN ambassador, who has been linked to the 1979 hostage crisis, threatening to cloud a gradual thaw in relations. Tehran says Washington's objection to Hamid Aboutalebi is unacceptable and the situation appears to be heading towards stalemate, as well as posing a challenge to President Barack Obama's drive for a diplomatic breakthrough after decades of mistrust between the two sides.

Magnitude 6.6 quake hits southwest Nicaragua: USGS Posted: 11 Apr 2014 03:41 PM PDT MANAGUA (Reuters) - A 6.6 magnitude earthquake hit southwest Nicaragua on Friday near the coast, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) said, shaking buildings in the capital Managua and as far away as San Jose in Costa Rica. Initial reports indicated no major damage from the quake, which was also felt in El Salvador. The quake struck 15 miles south of the town of Granada, near the country's Pacific coast, at a depth of 86 miles, the USGS said. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said a tsunami was not expected due to the depth of the quake. ...

US blocks Iran's envoy to UN in rare rebuke Posted: 11 Apr 2014 03:21 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States has blocked Iran's pick for envoy to the United Nations, a rare diplomatic rebuke that could stir fresh animosity at a time when Washington and Tehran have been seeking a thaw in relations.

In a rare rebuke, US blocks Iran's envoy to UN Posted: 11 Apr 2014 02:58 PM PDT WASHINGTON (AP) — In a rare diplomatic rebuke, the United States has blocked Iran's controversial pick for envoy to the United Nations, a move that could stir fresh animosity at a time when Washington and Tehran have been seeking a thaw in relations.

Gunmen ambush foreign peacekeepers in C. African town Posted: 11 Apr 2014 02:55 PM PDT Bangui (Central African Republic) (AFP) - Gunmen ambushed peacekeeping troops in the crisis-torn Central African Republic, injuring two, residents and a spokesman for the French army force in the country said Friday. A hospital employee said that French troops and Congolese soldiers from African Union peacekeeping force MISCA were "ambushed" outside the hospital in the central mining town of Bria while making their way back to their airport base on Thursday night. International peacekeeping troops are in the area in a bid to stop months of violence between the country's Christian majority and Muslim minority.

New quake shakes Nicaragua; nation on alert Posted: 11 Apr 2014 02:50 PM PDT MANAGUA, Nicaragua (AP) — A magnitude-6.6 earthquake shook Nicaragua on Friday afternoon, sending people running frightened into the streets less than 24 hours after a magnitude-6.1 quake rattled the Central American country.

2008 Olympic pole vault champion Hooker retires Posted: 11 Apr 2014 02:50 PM PDT ADELAIDE, Australia (AP) — Former Olympic pole vault champion Steve Hooker of Australia has announced he is retiring from the sport, saying he is still physically fit but doesn't have the mental drive to continue at the top.

US levels Crimea sanctions as Ukraine battles separatism Posted: 11 Apr 2014 02:50 PM PDT Donetsk (Ukraine) (AFP) - The United States slapped sanctions Friday on seven architects of Crimea's split from Ukraine as the ex-Soviet country struggled to stamp out another insurgency by pro-Russian separatists. The new Treasury sanctions escalated the tit-for-tat row between Russia and the West over Ukraine after Moscow threatened to cut off gas supplies to its neighbour unless it settled its unpaid bills -- a move that could wreak economic havoc on European countries that source gas from Ukraine. Washington's latest sanctions hit back at that threat while also sending a warning to Kalashnikov-armed militants barricaded inside state buildings in two key cities in eastern Ukraine that following in Crimea's footsteps would have consequences.

Wake held in Puerto Rico for Fort Hood gunman Posted: 11 Apr 2014 02:43 PM PDT SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — A wake is being held in Puerto Rico for the Fort Hood gunman who recently killed three people and injured 16 others at a Texas military base before committing suicide.

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